Photo: Jason Doiy / ALM

Ted Murphy joined Sidley Austin's global arbitration, trade and advocacy practice this week after more than 20 years at Baker McKenzie, including a stint as the firm's office managing partner in Washington, D.C.

Murphy described Sidley's international trade team as world-renowned, saying in an interview that the firm offered an optimal perch for his practice.

"This is probably the most dynamic time to be involved in international trade," Murphy said. "Sidley's a great firm with an industry-leading trade practice."

Murphy was Baker McKenzie's D.C. office managing partner until July, when the firm announced that Maurice Bellan, a partner in the firm's litigation and government enforcement practice, would succeed him in the role.

Murphy declined to discuss whether others from Baker McKenzie would follow him to Sidley or to name any clients that would be moving with him.

Ted Murphy, Sidley Austin. (Courtesy photo)

He specializes in U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigations, enforcement matters and litigation related to imports, as well as counseling clients on mergers and acquisitions and handling matters before the U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Trade work is "booming," Murphy said, and the international trade issues dominating news headlines reflect a paradigm shift that is creating opportunities for lawyers like him.

"In the international trade world, companies could always assume it would get easier and cheaper to move goods, people, and data around the world," Murphy said. "But what we've seen in recent years is that's no longer the case."

Even as companies work to adjust to the Trump administration's international trade stances, Murphy acknowledged that U.S. policy could change again soon based on shifting political winds and upcoming elections.

But he said he doesn't expect a predictable status quo will reemerge for business again soon.

"My view is that three years from now might not look like today, but it's very unlikely to look like three years ago," Murphy said of where his practice is headed.

In statement, Baker McKenzie thanked Murphy for his contributions to the firm its trade practice. "We wish him all the best," the firm said.